Manchester United endured a tense battle at the Anoeta Stadium, securing a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Joshua Zirkzee’s clinical finish put the Red Devils ahead, but a late Mikel Oyarzabal penalty ensured the contest remains finely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s Moment of Brilliance Gives United the Lead
United started the second half with more urgency and attacking intent after a cautious first 45 minutes. Their breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Joshua Zirkzee expertly guided the ball into the net after a well-worked move initiated by Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot. The goal was a much-needed relief for Ruben Amorim, who has been pushing for a more clinical edge from his side in recent weeks.
The Red Devils looked in control after taking the lead, creating several chances to extend their advantage. Garnacho came close twice but found the side netting, while Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu combined well to trouble Sociedad’s backline. However, missed opportunities would come back to haunt United.
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Oyarzabal’s Equalizer Changes the Game
Sociedad struggled to break through United’s defensive setup but were handed a lifeline in the 70th minute when VAR intervened.
Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot, smashing the ball past André Onana to level the score.
The goal shifted the momentum, with Sociedad pushing for a winner in the final 20 minutes. Their attacking substitutions, including Sheraldo Becker and Orri Óskarsson, gave them fresh energy, forcing United onto the back foot.
André Onana’s Heroics Save United
Just when it seemed Sociedad might snatch a late winner, André Onana came to United’s rescue with two outstanding saves. The Cameroonian goalkeeper denied a thunderous strike from Brais Méndez before pulling off a sensational stop in the 93rd minute, stretching out his left hand to deny Óskarsson from six yards out.
Onana’s heroics ensured that United returned to Manchester level in the tie, though the result left plenty of unanswered questions about the team’s overall performance.
Key Match Stats: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
- Possession: Real Sociedad 53% – 47% Manchester United
- Shots: Real Sociedad 10 – 9 Manchester United
- Shots on Target: Real Sociedad 4 – 5 Manchester United
- Corners: Real Sociedad 6 – 2 Manchester United
- Saves (Onana): 4 (Match-Winner)
United’s Struggles in Front of Goal Continue
Despite creating chances, United once again lacked the killer instinct needed to finish games off. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted post-match that his team’s lack of clinical finishing remains a concern:
“It is clear we have to be more clinical. We create chances but fail to take advantage. There is still work to be done.”
This has been a recurring issue, with Rasmus Højlund, Garnacho, and Fernandes missing key opportunities to put the game to bed.
Sociedad’s Late Surge Nearly Punishes United
Real Sociedad may have been fortunate to get the penalty decision, but their late dominance almost resulted in a comeback win. The Spanish side had two golden chances in stoppage time, but Óskarsson’s poor finishing and Onana’s brilliance kept United alive.
With their strong home record this season, Sociedad will regret not making the most of their late chances, but the draw still gives them a real shot at progressing if they can secure an away goal at Old Trafford.
What This Means for the Second Leg
The tie remains wide open heading into the second leg at Old Trafford. Manchester United will need a much-improved attacking display if they want to avoid a shock exit, while Real Sociedad will take confidence from their ability to cause problems for United’s defense.
United will also need to improve their defensive discipline, as conceding cheap goals—like the one from the penalty—could prove costly in a tight knockout battle.
Can United make home advantage count, or will Sociedad shock them in Manchester?
A Hard-Fought Battle with Everything Still to Play For
While Manchester United will be disappointed not to hold onto their lead, they remain in control of their own destiny. With Onana’s brilliance, Zirkzee’s goal, and an improved second-half performance, there are positives to take into the return leg.
However, Real Sociedad have shown they are more than capable of an upset, and if United fail to take their chances once again, they could be staring at an early exit from the Europa League.
The second leg at Old Trafford promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams knowing that progression to the quarter-finals is still very much up for grabs.
